Celebrate National Travel Agent Day  

The benefits of booking with a Travel Agent and the myths dispelled 

Today, Friday, 22^nd July, marks National Travel Agent Day. Across the UK and Ireland more than 3,700 travel agents and over 11,000 homeworkers will be celebrating this trusted profession dating back to the early 1800s. 

Launched during the pandemic by adventure travel company Intrepid, National Travel Agent Day was conceived as a way of gaining support and recognition for the industry during a turbulent period of trading and restrictions.  

Today, with the onset of the cost-of-living crisis and the continuing ‘travel chaos’ headlines, the day continues to mark the great service travel agents deliver to UK consumers as more and more people recognise the many benefits of booking with their local agent.  

A recent impact survey* conducted by The Advantage Travel Partnership showed of the 94% of respondents who are seeing an increase in new customers, 30% reported these new customers fall into the 35–44-year-old age bracket, with 33% of new customers aged between 45-54 and 15% over 60. 

Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “As the biggest Travel Agency partnership in the UK, today we stand shoulder to shoulder with all the travel agents across the UK who have had to manage their way through an incredibly tough few years.   

“While the challenges continue, as an industry we face the future with optimism. Travel and holidays remain on the top of the priority list for many millions of Brits and there continues to be a huge post-pandemic, pent-up demand for travel, even though the market is currently hampered by the significant disruption we’re experiencing. 

“Nonetheless, in a world that is becoming increasingly uncertain, booking with a travel agent is still the best way to travel as they offer such extensive support and peace of mind, should the unexpected happen.” 

Travel agents have played a key role on the UK’s high streets and local communities for many years, with Thomas Cook widely credited as being the first travel agent, back in 1841. 

Today, they continue to provide a valuable service to consumers the world over and is a sector that constantly reinvents itself, with many agents now offering both a shop and online proposition to make it more convenient for consumers.  

10 myth-busting reasons to book with a Travel Agent 

• Travel agents are true professionals who are trained in understanding the broad-ranging world of travel, from train travel to cruising, from package holidays to solo tours – there’s nothing they won’t explore for their clients.  
• Travel agents can navigate complex booking processes, so you don’t have to – from ensuring international flights connect, to planning detailed itineraries to far-flung destinations.   
• Travel agents can tailor packages to suit their customers, always planning what is right for each individual.   
• Travel agents can support customers with changes to bookings when the unexpected happens; they will go above and beyond to provide help in any circumstances – from in-destination travel restrictions to flight disruption.  
• Travel agents will always find you the best deal for your holiday. With access to many thousands of competitive offers across a wide range of holidays and travel products, travel agents have access to an overview of the entire travel ecosystem. 
• Travel agents have constantly evolved with the times, with most agents now having both a shop-based and online offering giving consumers the opportunity to book through the most convenient channel. 
• Booking with a travel agent is not more expensive. Travel agents have access to preferential rates that consumers won’t find online and with 700 branches, Advantage members have access to competitive pricing.  
• Independent travel agents have access to a wide range of tour operators meaning consumers will get a breadth of choice when it comes to choosing their holiday and can offer unbiased advice.  
• Travel Agents can provide all the information that you need, from visa information to vaccination advice, from weather in resort to places to visit whilst on holiday. 
• Travel agents are seeing an influx of new consumers across all age demographics benefiting from the peace of mind that comes with booking through a travel agent.  

To find your local agent, supported by The Advantage Travel Partnership, visit: The Advantage Travel Partnership.